# Discerning the roles of novel glycosyltransferases in the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans

> **NIH NIH F31** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $31,962

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with a high mortality rate. Its major
virulence factors are primarily composed of well-characterized glycans; however, the enzymatic steps involved
in synthesizing these glycans are largely unknown. The long-term objective of the proposed research is to define
unknown steps in glycan synthesis pathways of this organism, mediated by glycosyltransferase enzymes (GTs),
that are important for virulence. I propose two complementary approaches to achieve this objective. First, the
virulence of GT gene deletion mutants will be compared to that of wild-type C. neoformans to prioritize candidates
for study. Mutants lacking GTs of greatest interest will be assessed phenotypically, to suggest biological roles
of the GTs, and their glycans analyzed for defects, to suggest specific biochemical roles of the GTs. In parallel,
GTs of interest will be recombinantly expressed and their enzymatic activity determined using novel biochemical
assays. Together, these approaches will define the roles of GTs that are important in virulence, contributing to
our understanding of the basic biology of this pathogen and potentially revealing novel drug targets. Through the
successful completion of the proposed research, together with additional formal and informal training, the PI will
become technically adept in molecular microbiology, glycobiology, and protein biochemistry. In addition, the PI
will cultivate professional skills tailored to a future career in academia by presenting original work at seminars,
conferences, and in written form for publication. By facilitating her participation in these predoctoral training
opportunities, the Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award will enable the PI
to develop as an independent scientist, in keeping with its mission.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10124982
- **Project number:** 5F31AI150194-02
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Liza Loza
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $31,962
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10124982

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10124982, Discerning the roles of novel glycosyltransferases in the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans (5F31AI150194-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10124982. Licensed CC0.

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